1. SPIRIT PASSENGERS ARE STRANDED

Spirit Airlines suddenly shut down and canceled all of its flights, leaving many travelers stuck in the middle of their trips. Some passengers found out while they were already at the airport, while others had to scramble to book new flights at higher prices. The airline had been struggling for years because of competition, rising costs, bankruptcy, and higher jet fuel prices. Other airlines offered discounted fares to help stranded Spirit passengers, but many people still faced extra expenses, delays, and ruined plans. For travelers, the shutdown was more than a business story because it affected weddings, vacations, work, and family responsibilities. Write a paragraph explaining how the sudden shutdown of an airline can affect ordinary people. Use at least two details from the story, such as canceled wedding travel, expensive replacement flights, refund problems, or passengers being stuck far from home.

2. MARYLAND LIMITS A.I. GROCERY PRICING

Maryland has become the first state to ban grocery stores and delivery services from using customers’ personal data to raise prices. This practice, sometimes called dynamic pricing or surveillance pricing, can allow two shoppers to pay different prices for the same item based on what a company knows about them. Supporters of the new law say it protects people from unfair price increases at a time when technology can predict what shoppers need and how much they might be willing to pay. Critics argue that the law may not be strong enough because it does not fully cover loyalty programs and does not let individual customers sue companies that break the rules. The debate shows how artificial intelligence can affect something as ordinary as buying food. Imagine your school is creating a consumer protection poster about A.I. pricing. In one paragraph, explain what surveillance pricing is, why some people think it is unfair, and what shoppers should understand about how their personal data can be used.

3. TRUMP’S GARDEN OF HEROES PLAN GROWS

President Trump’s planned National Garden of American Heroes has become much larger and more expensive than originally expected. The project could include 250 life-size statues, formal gardens, reflecting pools, cafes, plazas, and an amphitheater near the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Supporters say the garden would honor important Americans and celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. But critics question the cost, the lack of final approval, the environmental impact, and whether the project presents a too-simple version of American history. Some experts also worry that choosing who gets honored, and how their stories are told, can leave out important parts of the past. Write a paragraph explaining what makes public monuments complicated. Use details from the story to discuss at least two concerns, such as cost, location, historical accuracy, environmental impact, or who gets included.

4. LOUISIANA VOTERS FACE PRIMARY CONFUSION

Voters in Louisiana faced confusion after the Supreme Court struck down the state’s congressional map and the governor delayed House primaries. Early voting still began for other races, but signs warned that votes cast in House races would not count. Some voters worried that their ballots might not count at all, while campaigns and voter groups rushed to explain which elections were still happening. The situation was made even harder because Louisiana had already changed from open primaries to closed party primaries. Election officials now have to deal with new ballots, new schedules, legal challenges, and worried voters. Create a short voter information announcement for Louisiana residents. In one clear paragraph, explain what changed, which problem voters are facing, and why clear instructions are important when election rules shift close to voting day.

5. TICK SEASON STARTS STRONG

Tick season is already causing concern because emergency-room visits for tick bites were very high in April. Scientists say ticks are spreading into new areas as winters become warmer and people build homes closer to tick habitats. Some ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or even a meat allergy called alpha-gal syndrome. Experts warn that more ticks may now carry more than one disease at the same time, which can make diagnosis and treatment harder. People can protect themselves by wearing long sleeves, using repellents, checking their bodies after being outdoors, and removing ticks carefully with tweezers. Write a short outdoor safety guide for students who plan to hike, play sports, or spend time in parks this spring. Include at least four specific tips from the story and explain why checking for ticks matters even if someone was only in a backyard or local park.